What are the precautions for venetoclax?

Venetoclax restores normal apoptosis of cancer cells by blocking the anti-apoptotic function of the BCL-2 protein. Indications include chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, etc.

What are the precautions for venetoclax?

The precautions that patients should know before using the medication as prescribed are as follows:

1. The risk of venetoclax in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone

In one study, venetoclax was found to be used in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone to increase mortality in patients with multiple myeloma. Therefore, the combination of venetoclax with bortezomib and dexamethasone is not recommended for the treatment of multiple myeloma, except in controlled clinical trials.

2. Neutropenia

During the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with venetoclax, 63% to 64% of patients have been observed to develop more severe neutropenia with severity of grade 3 or 4, especially in 31% to 33% of patients who experience more severe grade 4 neutropenia. Another 4% to 6% of patients may have febrile neutropenia.

This significant decrease in neutrophil levels significantly increases the risk of infection in patients, and careful infection prevention and monitoring in these patients is particularly important.

Who is Venetoclax suitable for?

In addition to the precautions for the use of the drug, it is equally important to understand the indications for venetoclax.

1. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma

Venetoclax is suitable for adult patients and is primarily used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL).

2. Acute myeloid leukemia

Venetoclax in combination with azacitidine, decitabine, or low-dose cytarabine is indicated for adults with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML), particularly those over 75 years of age or who are unable to receive intensive induction chemotherapy for health reasons.

What are the adverse effects of venetoclax?

Venetoclax has shown remarkable efficacy in the treatment of related diseases, but some adverse effects are inevitable during medication:

1. Anemia

The number of red blood cells is reduced or malfunctioning, which may make the person feel tired, weak, or dizzy. Treatment may require iron supplementation, erythropoietin, or blood transfusions.

2. Upper respiratory tract infection

Such as colds, sore throats or sinusitis may occur more often when the immune system is suppressed. Treatment with antibiotics or antiviral drugs is usually required.

[Warm tips] The treatment of the disease is a long-term process, and patients should maintain a positive and optimistic attitude during the treatment process, communicate with the doctor in time if there are any questions or discomforts, and obtain professional medical advice.